FURIOUS neighbours are fighting two ‘secret’ hostels opened in their streets for prisoners released early and people on bail.

Families living near the properties in Derrington Avenue and Lunt Avenue, Crewe, are angry they have never been consulted about housing offenders in their quiet residential area.

They have appealed to Crewe and Nantwich MP Gwyneth Dunwoody to support their fight.

The hostels, which can hold between four and five people at a cost of £250 a night, have been set up by a company called Clearsprings Ltd to house “vulnerable” clients either on bail or early release schemes.

But residents claim some of these “vulnerable” new neighbours have been arrested on several occasions at both properties.

Wendy Lowe, 64, who lives next to one of the hostels in Derrington Avenue, said: “We’ve had so much disruption and, no matter what the company say, we never had any warning.

“I only found out about who exactly was living next door about a month after they had moved in and that was only because I asked a woman from the company when she came to visit.

“Once, I saw two schoolkids roll out of there drunk. It’s a disgrace.”

A letter to MP Mrs Dunwoody from Justice Minister Jack Straw says that Clearsprings “has a contractual obligation to consult with the local police and local authority on the acquisition of properties”.

But local police, the probation service and the county and borough councils were unaware of the existence of the hostels in Crewe until more than a month after they were opened.

Darren Williams, 42, also of Derrington Avenue, added: “In other areas where they have bothered to send letters, people have opposed them and they have pulled out.”

Crewe South county councillor Dorothy Flude has vowed to fight to see the houses shut down.

She said: “People don’t know who’s living here or what offences they’ve committed. It’s appalling and we want answers.”

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: “We work closely with Clearsprings to ensure there is a comprehensive consultation between themselves and relevant enforcement agencies in any area that they wish to acquire properties.”